Import Financing in Kenya: Funding Stock, Shipping, and Customs Duty

What is import financing?

Import financing covers costs before goods are sold: procurement, freight, clearance, customs duty, and sometimes inventory holding.

Costs you should plan for

• Supplier payment or deposit
• Shipping and freight charges
• Customs duty and clearance fees
• Warehousing and distribution

Requirements and documents

• Business registration documents
• Bank statements and cash flow evidence
• Proforma invoice or supplier documents
• Shipping documents where available
• Sales evidence: orders, invoices, or customer demand proof

Step by step process

1. Deal reviewConfirm supplier, goods, margins, and timeline.
2. Document verificationValidate invoices, business records, and ability to repay.
3. Funding structureMatch financing to procurement, shipping, and clearance stages.
4. DisbursementFunds released based on agreed milestones and documentation.

Next reads

• LPO Financing in Kenya: How to Fund a Confirmed Purchase Order
• Asset Financing in Kenya: Vehicles and Business Equipment
• Loan Restructuring in Kenya: Reduce Monthly Repayments